AID FOR FRANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24326, 17 June 1940, Page 7

AID FOR FRANCE

BRITISH FORCES RUSH TO THE FRONT IMPROVED EQUIPMENT '(•United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, June 14. Trains crowded with members of the Second B.E.F. and convoys of lorries mutes long, w.tli new equipment, have been converging on an English port in the last few days. Thousands of men have already been transported, including many who a fortnight ago were on the beach at Dunkirk. They are forming the backbone of the new large force which the British are rushing to France’s aid. The units arc drawn from all parts of Britain. \ The new B.E.F. has certain forms of equipment which cannot be described in detail, but it is unquestionably superior to that of the First B.E.F. Stream of Troops Rver since the B.E.F. was evacuated from Dunkirk members of the new 8.E.F., together with their supplies and equipment, have been arriving at a Bn.ish port and embarking again for France. From dawn till dusk trains have been arriving and men with guns of every type, armoured vehicles, supply and transport vehicles, and equipment of all kinds have been sent across the Channel at night in ships gathered from half the ports in Britain. Since the troops arrived back from France much valuable training has been put in, and correspondents who have been witnessing their departure expressed the highest opinion of their appearance and of the material with which they are equipped. The King inspected a complete army division stationed in the Southern Command. His Majesty at several points conferred decorations on officers for distinguished conduct during the retreat to Dunkirk. The King, wherever he went, was deeply impressed by the excellent health and spirit of the troops after their ordeal in Flanders. An eye-witness with the B.E.F. says British soldiers are rolling up French roads towards the Seine and have now made contact with the Germans Grim Determination Their determination to speed victory was intensified by the news of the capture of part of a Scotish division on June 13. This division was rushed up from the south and given a front of 24 miles, whereas it normally would hold only six miles Nevertheless, it attacked at dawn in conjunction with French tanks. The Germans lay low and allowed the tanks to pass through. The Scots followed confidently, but suddenly met with a murderous fire from machine guns and trench mortars, which inflicted very heavy losses. The Scots, particularly the Camerons and Ssaforths. drove on and gained many objectives, but the mos 1 supre'me courage was po match for the scorching fire power of the enemy, supported by dive bombing. An advance in the teeth of such opposition was incredible, but* retreat and capture were inevitable for a big part of the division. CANADIAN PLEDGE UNSWERVING SUPPORT OTTAWA, June 14. The Prime Minister (Mr Mackenzie King), in the House of Commons, said: “I believe I can say to M. Reynaud that the resources of the whole American continent will be thrown in on the side of the Allies. Canada pledges France its unwavering support to the u most limits of its powers and resources.” He added that France had been informed of this.